Things You'll Need:
- Valid driver's license
- Car (if not flying)
- Map
- Cash
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Step 1
If a very cheap flight becomes available flying from ATL to CHS, you might opt to take advantage of it. The truth is that this route does not often have a lot of great airfare deals. There are more deals from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, but that can often be more trouble than it's worth to get down to Charleston. Check cheap airfare websites for fares.
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Step 2
Check to see if there are any bus or train routes that are quick and cheap. Unfortunately, there is not an Amtrak route from Atlanta to Charleston.
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Step 3
Your best bet is probably going to be to drive from Atlanta to Charleston, as even flying will find you waiting at the airport for a couple of hours before your flight, and delays can always occur. Generally it takes around 5 or 5.5 hours to drive, but make sure to check a traffic website before leaving, in case an alternate route is necessary.
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Step 4
The route that I've found easiest when driving from Atlanta to Charleston is to go through Augusta and Columbia. (There is a different route that goes through Greenville instead of Augusta, but it usually takes a bit longer.)
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Step 5
Depending on where you're coming from in Metro Atlanta, the beginning steps may vary. Essentially, you want to get on I-20 East as soon as you can. You can get on I-285 East to get on to it and avoid downtown congestion if this is convenient for you. If not, follow I-85 until you see signs for I-20 East. The whole trip is basically going East, so bear that in mind if you forget which highways you need to take along the way.
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Step 6
You will continue on 1-20 East through Augusta and will be on it until just before Columbia. If you stop for food, Augusta and Columbia might be your best bets, as you will not pass any other cities of this size.
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Step 7
You will then take Exit 61 to merge onto Sunset Boulevard/US 378 East toward W. Columbia. You will then see signs for I-26 East towards Charleston. Take the ramp for Charleston (I-26 E), which should be about 2.5 miles after getting onto Sunset Blvd. You should now be on I-26 East.
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Step 8
Travel on I-26 East for about 110 miles, and you will see exits for North Charleston and Charleston. If you are going downtown, it is usually easiest to take Exit 221B for Meeting Street. You will also see signs for Downtown and King Street, which may be quicker for you depending on your final destination in Charleston.
